The commercially attuned practitioners at global behemoth Baker McKenzie understand the nuances of their clients’ businesses, which means that they never fail to maximise brand value. Equipped with cutting-edge management tools, the firm’s Chicago contingent makes waves with its dexterous handling of sprawling international portfolios. The redoubtable David Davis heads up the local IP group with vim and vigour. Gifted in all facets of trademark law, “he is extremely knowledgeable and responsive. He never fails to provide a reasonable, well-thought-out approach and is always amenable and easy to work with.” The equally versatile Shima Roy – who collaborates closely with Davis – makes her debut in the WTR 1000 this year. “They are, at all times, professional and a valuable resource for everything, from searches and clearance to enforcement and complex negotiations.” Prized for her long-range strategic vision, Lisa Parker Gates makes for an assured ally for trademark owners. She possesses particularly extensive knowledge of international issues; the fact that Fortune 100s entrust their portfolios to her is the ultimate testament to her abilities.

Banner & Witcoff, Ltd

“A specialised IP firm, Banner & Witcoff possesses a vigorous trademark department that zealously represents brand owners.” “Its whole team is fantastic and proactive”, and is “full of astute, critical thinkers”. One happy customer avers: “Not only do its first-rate lawyers provide high-level expertise, but they also display great attitudes and personalities, which leads to a superb working relationship.” The forerunner of this esteemed bunch is the erudite Helen Hill Minsker. With a masterful understanding of the entire trademark lifecycle, her star-studded client list includes household names such as Toshiba and Nike. Nike has also been keenly assisted by Christopher Renk, who took charge of the headline-grabbing dispute between Converse and over 30 other companies in one of the largest trademark cases in the history of the International Trade Commission. His trenchant arguments and exactitude in that suit – and many others – have earned him praise from far and wide: “He is a true trial lawyer who really understands this field – he is just an exceptional litigator.” New to the WTR 1000 this year is Richard Stockton, who has a special flair for electrical and computer-related instructions, including IP issues concerning the Internet. “He is extremely responsive and has the ability to truly understand your company and culture. One of the best things about him is that he gives opinions that go beyond just what the law provides; rather, he offers advice on how to address particular matters in line with your business and values.”

Barnes & Thornburg LLP

“Barnes & Thornburg has enjoyed considerable growth in Illinois over the last few years, and with a number of strategic hires, its Chicago office has quickly become a really robust IP set.” “It continues to gain traction in the market here with particular success in the trademark arena – its Indiana base allows for better rates and its work product strikes a chord with brand owners.” Christopher Dolan and John Gabrielides are two recent additions, having come on board from Brinks Gilson & Lione. “Dolan has a calm practical demeanour and is keen to do everything possible to protect his client’s brands.” The dynamic and incisive counsellor has been kept busy of late handling Skullcandy’s product configuration marks. He also performs adroitly in disputes: “Very down-to-earth and honest, he adopts a refreshingly forthright approach to litigation.” Gabrielides also excels on contentious instructions; his practice focuses on sophisticated trademark and copyright litigation and he has a special affinity for trademark surveys and damages matters. Jonathan Froemel is another adept brand enforcer. “He protects trademark rights in a very canny and goal-oriented way; he is never short-sighted and always gives his legal advice in the context of broader business aims. He is also not afraid to explain the risks associated with a decision, and that transparency leads to better choices and fewer surprises down the road.” In a similar vein, Michael Carrillo is hailed for his panoramic perspective: “An incredibly tactical practitioner, he sees the big picture and is great at giving straightforward advice that breaks down complex problems into simple solutions. In sync with the client mind-set, he can cut through the clutter to deliver pragmatic guidance.” “Carrillo is a super well-rounded attorney and can speak intelligently on all aspects of the law.” The versatile Melissa Vallone is “a fine choice for branding issues”. Her refined cradle-to-grave services are a blessing for non-profit organisations in particular.

Brinks Gilson & Lione celebrated its centennial anniversary this year; it is “a name that has been around forever in the IP world and continues to be a force today. Its lustre is well deserved, as its trademark lawyers are all terrific and highly active”. The 2016-2017 period has been an exciting time of change for the acclaimed boutique: it has opened up two new offices, one in Florida and another in China – which is its first overseas office – and made a number of exceptional additions to its personnel. Not least among these new recruits is Susan Frohling, who previously served as chief trademark counsel at Kraft Foods for eight years. She brings with her a depth of expertise rarely seen in private practice. Andrew Avsec and Howard Michael jointly supervise the branding department with alacrity. The former is “an outstanding attorney” whose practice ranges from judicious counselling to the consummate handling of intricate disputes. He is also well versed in domain name matters. Michael’s practice is similarly extensive; he has a particular knack for getting fakes off the market. “Jerome Gilson, David Fleming and Jeffrey Handelman are the core of the group, and they are all brilliant.” The author of a leading treatise on trademark law, Gilson is a central pillar of the practice and possesses over 50 years of experience in this field. “He is a lion of US trademark law and it can’t be emphasised enough how spectacular he is as a mentor.” Fleming is “a likeable and nationally renowned litigator” who has held a number of esteemed positions in the community. Handelman is “a phenomenal practitioner with an especially strong practice before the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB)”. “Among the finest litigators in the country, he is an incredibly thoughtful and strategic attorney who delivers sophisticated arguments.”

DLA Piper LLP (US)

“DLA Piper has the right people around the world with expertise in a variety of areas”, but “its Chicago office really stands out”. “It has such a solid set of practitioners and its work product is always so polished.” One satisfied customer states: “The team is responsive and never fails to get the answers you seek – it has protected my brand with a 100% success rate. Plus, its lawyers are just fun to work with.” Christina Martini chairs the “superb” IP group. Lately, she has been pulling the strings in a number of sophisticated enforcement and pre-litigation mandates, but she also has “an exceptional mind and sense for portfolio management and can juggle huge workloads – her strategic thinking distinguishes her from others”. “A juggernaut in the trademark market”, “Martini is thoughtful, intelligent, client-oriented and an inspiration”. Her immediate predecessor Mark Feldman is also widely lauded. “A leader of the bar” with “an expansive knowledge base”, “he is a fantastic tactician who has seen all there is to see, so nothing surprises him. It’s astonishing how he is available for you 24/7, and he is a breath of fresh air personality-wise.” One enamoured patron states, “He is, without a doubt, one of the finest practitioners in this profession”. Last but certainly not least is the “marvellous” Keith Medansky, who excels in all phases of trademark law and “earns an enormous amount of respect”. “He has a tonne of experience and is awfully bright – he can easily dig into a project and just run with it.” “He provides top-notch counsel and is keenly attuned to client needs.” As one leading global brand owner extols: “Medansky is among the best trademark attorneys on the planet.”

Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP

Drinker Biddle & Reath adopts a holistic perspective on brand development and protection to ensure that infringers are kept at bay. In the last year, its trademark practice has continued to flourish; it has been particularly busy with matters in the wider branding context, from grey market and parallel import goods issues to sweepstakes and anti-counterfeiting. The firm prioritises customer care and has been able to successfully foster fruitful, long-term relationships with myriad top-dollar trademark owners. The “terrific” Darren Cahr takes all of these values to heart. “He does it all – trademarks, advertising and marketing, clearance, trial work, and more – he has a really diversified skill set.” “Cahr is extremely smart and has excellent judgement and common sense. Clients have nothing but good things to say about him” – “he is a splendid lawyer and person”.

Greenberg Traurig LLP

“Greenberg Traurig has a robust group of practitioners in Illinois and nationwide.” “Locally, it has many high-quality individuals who have a deep and broad understanding of this field.” The Chicago contingent seamlessly oversees a plethora of international portfolios and continues to expand its influence in the anti-counterfeiting arena. The dexterous management of branding issues in cyberspace is yet another weapon in the Greenberg Traurig arsenal; this is Marc Trachtenberg’s forte. “While he is one of the world’s foremost experts in internet and domain name-related matters, he can handle these types of dispute at a much lower cost than other firms. His advice is always very sound and practical, and he is also timely and prompt with his work.” His impressive list of clients ranges from the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League to The Home Depot and Groupon. Trachtenberg shares the responsibility for the latter two mandates with Mark Galis, who co-chairs the firm’s IP and technology practice. Galis’s wisdom and commercial acumen is put to best use navigating rights holders through uncharted waters to extract maximum value from their IP assets. “He is always a force to be reckoned with. Seriously tenacious, he is focused, energetic and highly strategic.” Jeffrey Dunning manages filing, clearance and prosecution with aplomb, but is also skilled in contentious instructions and in developing sophisticated enforcement strategies. Lately, he has been caring for Caesars Entertainment’s global trademark portfolio with impressive diligence.

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

A premier branding gang resides at Katten Muchin Rosenman, which is sought out for its bespoke guidance, depth of industry-specific know-how and impeccable customer service. Its Windy City branch is a litigation powerhouse that serves multibillion-dollar rights holders such as PepsiCo and Microsoft with gusto. Both of these clients are tended to by Floyd Mandell, “a veritable dean of the trademark bar”. In addition to dealing with mission-critical cases on behalf of PepsiCo and Microsoft, he has lately been assisting Forever 21 in its headline-grabbing dispute with adidas concerning the latter’s famous three-stripe mark. “A highly knowledgeable lawyer and excellent business partner”, “Mandell’s the one to see when you need a gut check because he has a wealth of experience and sees the big picture”. One leading brand owner states: “He is an exceptional litigator who can tackle complex and difficult cases. He is thoughtful, practical, dedicated, passionate about client needs and can reach the most effective solution in the face of adversity.” Kristin Acherthof also puts in stellar courtroom performances and in 2017 became co-chair of the national IP litigation practice. Equipped with a profound understanding of business concerns, she knows how to assuage the fears of big brand names. Over the last year, much of her time has been spent devising global enforcement strategies for Lenovo and Motorola Trademark Holdings.

Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Well known for its full-bodied corporate and litigation practices, Kirkland & Ellis is the destination of choice for brand owners in need of business-conscious, pithy advice to combat infringers. Robin McCue is a refined consultant, but the main thrust of her practice lies in multi-faceted IP litigation. In particular, she has developed an acute understanding of all trademark and false advertising topics, and is well versed in trademark and advertising surveys to boot.

Leydig Voit & Mayer Ltd

“Leydig Voit & Mayer does a brilliant job of spearheading worldwide branding efforts and is a life saver, as it is flexible about administrative modifications, especially billing procedures.” “Responsive and commercial, it is an exemplary IP boutique” that prides itself on the long-lasting relationships it cultivates. Mark Liss helms the respected outfit. “He is an indispensable partner who offers astute advice on all aspects of trademark and copyright law. Superbly knowledgeable and a great communicator, he inspires confidence. Liss has the ability to see legal issues from a company’s point of view, and is able to deftly avoid potential litigation without any compromise on the quality of portfolio protection.” Claudia Stangle is another fan favourite. “With both basic prosecution and tricky policing problems, she is skilful at advising businesses and can easily convert legal concepts into plain English for non-lawyers. Always accessible, she never fails to go the extra mile for her clients. She also provides thorough and economical guidance in foreign trademark matters.” Tamara Miller is a dab hand in international instructions, too: “She really impresses across the spectrum, from transactional matters to enforcement and litigation, and has plenty of experience dealing with snags that arise overseas, especially in China.” One peer asserts “I’ve only ever heard good things about her robust practice – she’s very professional and hardworking”. Kevin Parks completes the formidable force. “He has an academic thirst for the legal underpinnings of trademark law and a deep intellectual appreciation of this field; but he also utilises this knowledge as a practical tool and excels at building client relationships. He has such a good nature about him and is an all-around terrific lawyer and person to deal with.”

Loeb & Loeb LLP

“Loeb & Loeb is top of mind in the branding sphere both across the country and in Illinois specifically.” Each one of its US bases specialises in a discipline closely related to branding, and “its Chicago office is particularly strong in social media and advertising issues. As businesses increase their online presence and take-up of non-traditional methods of promotion, the firm has demonstrated its worth through industry-specific savvy married with pure trademark knowledge – it has the ability to analyse grey areas of regulation that more traditional lawyers might not be able to.” “At the centre of its team is Douglas Masters, who has a fantastic reputation.” “Clients adore him because he is super smart but also down-to-earth and he has a good sense of humour – he earns top marks all around as a human being.” “He’s respected, experienced, thoughtful and easy to work with”; “he takes a highly nuanced approach to his work” and “must be doing something seriously right as he attracts and retains marquee names”. One brand owner commends: “Masters combines his comprehensive understanding of trademark and copyright law with the ability to look at matters – especially complicated ones – from all angles to come up with reasoned, creative solutions.” Another appreciative patron states: “He is extremely responsive and easy to get a hold of; his frank opinions help you draw out the answers you need.”

“Marshall Gerstein is perhaps better known for its esteemed patent practice, but it also has a laser focus on trademarks.” “Its branding practice is excellent and is home to many top-quality practitioners.” Gregory Chinlund chairs the group with zeal. A percipient counsellor, “he offers clear and efficient advice that gets results”. “He is diligent, responsive and cost-effective, especially when it comes to portfolio management.” Chinlund is supported by Richard LaBarge and Maureen Beacom Gorman, both “highly experienced and ethical attorneys who are loyal to clients”. LaBarge has a gift for getting difficult to register marks through the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO); he has had success applying for single, overall product colour and in getting a taste registered as a trademark. “A vital asset to clients”, Gorman is a polished litigator whose varied skill set extends to online problems and stamping out counterfeiters.

Mayer Brown LLP

The superb communication between Mayer Brown’s web of offices around the world is fully exploited by its brand management practice, and this integrated platform makes it a perfect choice for leading international rights holders. Its Chicago wing serves as a major global springboard, which is partly due to Michael Adams, who deftly co-leads the global branding team. “He brings a level-headed approach and has a great personality; as a veteran of the US Marines, he is not going to get flustered by complex situations and brings a sense of calm that clients appreciate.” “His broad practice ably covers prosecution and TTAB matters, but he is also one of the best in the country for domain name issues.” One enthralled patron asserts: “He is outstanding in so many respects; there is nobody else I would rather use.” Richard Assmus acquits himself admirably in delicate transactions and high-stakes litigation. Recently, he secured a favourable settlement for Nestlé in a widely publicised false advertising battle concerning its Purina Petcare subsidiary. “Assmus is business-oriented and an enforcement expert. He is very organised, analytical and a good communicator, so it’s easy to work with him.”

McDermott Will & Emery

“A big name for enforcement and major litigation”, McDermott Will & Emery is “really impressive in terms of its substantive knowledge of the law. It is excellent across the country, but its Chicago branch is one of its key standouts”. The firm has the immense resources necessary to tackle the most sophisticated branding conundrums, but it prides itself on its boutique-style level of care; a perfectly cohesive national soft IP practice means that industry-targeted expertise is always on tap. An astute portfolio caretaker, Jennifer Mikulina is a thought leader for the firm locally. “From trademark protection and enforcement to online and cross-border issues, she is an incredible asset. Always available at a moment’s notice, she is a wonderful person to work with and deserves every accolade she receives.” One patron concurs, “She provides top-notch service, which is both timely and extremely efficient; I wouldn’t go to anybody else for assistance”. For nail-biting disputes, businesses are in safe hands with Margaret Duncan. “She litigates both patent and trademark matters very well”, but also knows how to reach out-of-court solutions.

Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

“Neal Gerber & Eisenberg’s IP practice is the crown jewel of the firm and a go-to for leading brands.” Receiving a torrent of praise from peers and clients alike, it joins the prestigious gold tier this year. “Its trademark practice is incredibly strong and operates at the highest level.” “It is impressive that as a single shop in Chicago it has thrived and succeeded in developing a national reputation and the ability to handle matters anywhere in the world.” “Its smaller size means its pricing is more effective but that doesn’t affect its output – it is full of first-rate lawyers who serve big name rights holders.” The widely celebrated branding practice revolves around its three key partners: Michael Kelber, Antony McShane and Lee Eulgen, all of whom are “highly regarded, superb individuals”. “Kelber is level-headed, practical and well-rounded. He does prosecution and litigation – and everything in between – brilliantly.” “It’s never a cookie-cutter solution with him, as he really pays attention to what clients want and delivers on those expectations.” “In a word, he is simply the best”, according to one leading brand owner. “Smart, even-keeled and effective, he knows when to be assertive and when to take a less aggressive approach.” Kelber co-chairs the IP practice with McShane, who evinces wisdom and passion when developing and protecting brands. McShane is a “truly excellent attorney” and is hailed for his sophisticated courtroom acumen; he also cuts a dash in significant TTAB matters. Lately, he has been enforcing PepsiCo’s GATORADE and G marks before the USPTO and continues to be actively involved in one of the longest pending TTAB disputes on behalf of DRL Enterprises. Eulgen rounds off the imposing triumvirate. His intellectual acuity is a draw for new clients, and much of the credit for the firm’s dynamic international network can be attributed to him. “He does a phenomenal job of counselling, portfolio work and litigation. He’s just an all-around great attorney who is well respected.” Eulgen has been busy of late representing Duracell in a widely discussed suit over its iconic pink bunny.

Norvell IP LLC

“An excellent option for clearance work in particular, Norvell IP is quick, efficient and cost-effective.” It also has the capacity and wherewithal to handle sprawling portfolios and high-stake disputes. Its client base is strikingly varied, from financial services to apparel and luxury goods, but no matter what the market, its lawyers know how to fully exploit a brand to help reach its maximum potential. The firm’s namesake and founder Joseph Norvell makes his entrance into the WTR 1000 rankings this year. A dexterous enforcer of rights, “he is well organised and understands your level of risk tolerance”. He leads the practice together with Joseph Kucala, who was previously stationed at Hewlett-Packard, where he managed its worldwide soft IP division. “His in-house experience has given him a solid business foundation and a practical perspective on risks. He also writes concisely, in a way that is not mired by legal jargon.” “He’s a great tactician with first-rate technical skills”, and is “responsive and pleasant to deal with”. Tom Monagan is a judicious adviser and specialises in a variety of contentious engagements. His enforcement nous is equally effective in trademark and advertising matters.

Pattishall, McAuliffe, Newbury, Hilliard & Geraldson LLP

“The trademark team at Pattishall McAuliffe comprises outstanding legal professionals that work together brilliantly. Its lawyers are devoted to their work and adept at handling complex and sensitive situations. They operate at a consistently high level.” The “extremely responsive and reliable” boutique “has a very loyal base of clients, great bandwidth and a deep bench”. “It has always been an eternal presence on the market”, but it also “has a new group of attorneys coming up through the ranks, who are being well trained by its veterans”. “Its terrific practice is clearly a destination of choice for both trademark prosecution and litigation.” Managing partner Bradley Cohn is the recipient of effusive praise. “He recently obtained an excellent result for Bayer concerning the FLANAX mark, and that was just the most recent feat in a string of impressive victories over his career. He continues to do great things and is identified by clients for bet-the-company cases.” “He is a sterling litigator, but also a first port of call for prosecution matters.” “One of the senior members of the team who does superb enforcement work”, Phillip Barengolts was also instrumental on the Bayer brief. Together with Jonathan Jennings, he has recently secured significant victories for Eli Lilly and BP in critical trademark infringement disputes. “Jennings combines in-depth IP knowledge with a sharp business mindset.” “He is responsive, insightful, thorough, professional and respectful; one thing that sets him apart is that he truly takes the time to understand what the client wants to accomplish and how strenuously each position should be negotiated.” Adding to his already impressive résumé, in 2016 he was the lead author of the American Bar Association’s amicus curiae brief filed with the US Supreme Court in Lee v Tam. Robert Sacoff’s trophy cabinet is similarly full of honours and achievements: “He is a highly respectable figure in the IP world and has obtained many awards for his activities and work. He is a magnificent professional who always displays a comprehensive knowledge of the law and the vision to devise the most appropriate strategies, especially in truly complex cases.” “A dean of the Chicago Bar, he has had a long, glittering career and has been deeply involved in the community.” In the same vein, Joseph Welch II and David Hilliard are fonts of wisdom for the group. The seasoned duo are well versed in all facets of brand management and have “stellar reputations in the trademark market”. Brett August has been kept busy of late juggling a substantial volume of work on behalf of Zebra Technologies. “He has a great academic background, good ethics and is exceptionally smart; his strong judgement is his best asset.” One peer states, “He immediately comes to mind for the best practitioners. He develops airtight strategies, knows the law fully, and is very eloquent both in his writing and speaking.” Janet Marvel is equally “terrific”. “She is a first-class lawyer who knows the substance of the law inside and out. She makes for an excellent mentor, too.” “Marvel is an invaluable partner for portfolio management, but also has a very high success rate when it comes to litigation.” Thad Chaloemtiarana acquits himself superbly on contentious engagements but also doubles as a percipient adviser. His varied talents were invaluable for Robert Bosch GmbH in 2016 when, together with Cohn, Chaloemtiarana obtained a permanent injunction against North Shore Imports. Debuting in the WTR 1000 this year is Belinda Scrimenti: “Her vast knowledge covers a diverse range of trademark matters. She is efficient and flexible in presenting alternative solutions, and has an extraordinary ability to connect with people and understand their needs. She is consistently responsive and quick to comprehend local legal issues and practical considerations as well.”

Reed Smith LLP

There is little, if anything, beyond the scope of Reed Smith’s shrewd branding crew. Its international reach and resources help to quickly nip multi-jurisdictional problems in the bud, while its domestic offices are full of commercially astute attorneys who have a complete understanding of the local trademark landscape. Its Chicago office is anchored by John Cullis, “a key player for the firm who has a wide breadth of knowledge. He tends to intuitively understand what clients need to meet their goals”. “He has a terrific TTAB practice, and, in a relatively short space of time, has really cemented his position as an outstanding professional in this field.” “Cullis blends the perfect balance of IP expertise with business-minded pragmatism. He is prompt, responsive and always well-reasoned.” Robert Browne adds further firepower in heated disputes. He has an understanding of matters across the entire IP spectrum and is praised for his pedagogical talents.

Winston & Strawn is known for delivering winning performances in the courtroom, but a full-bodied prosecution practice is another feather in its cap. Its versatile team can offer sagacious guidance on any quandary, including specialised advertising and domain name concerns. The latter is bread and butter for Paul McGrady, “a standout practitioner who – unlike most other lawyers who dabble in this area – possesses pure expertise and is a leading expert in the domain name space”. As testament to his clout in the branding world, he was recently appointed to the International Trademark Association’s (INTA) board of directors. Ronald Rothstein’s litigation experience is as broad as it is deep; he has made light work of numerous tangled conflicts over his career, ranging from false advertising to cybersquatting. He also has a flair for handling crucial prosecution matters.

Other recommended experts

A master of prosecution, Jill Anderfuren of Lewis Brisbois ably serves a slew of top-brass trademark owners. “She is always responsive, offers practical advice and her fees are very reasonable. She is a go-to person if you need a second opinion.” Anderfuren is also skilled at handling sophisticated domain name issues. Stationed at McAndrews, Held & Malloy is Patrick Arnold, one of the firm’s stalwarts for trademark matters. “Quick to reply and highly knowledgeable, he does an admirable job across the gamut of work, from filing and counselling to litigation.” Luke DeMarte captains Michael Best & Friedrich’s branding practice in Chicago. He cuts a dash on tricky transactions and disputes before the TTAB. “He and his team consistently provide excellent and commercially focused legal advice.” Ronald DiCerbo’s practice focuses on multi-faceted trademark and design rights matters and he has become a trusted partner for burgeoning start-ups, as well as titanic multinationals. The McAndrews, Held & Malloy attorney “excels in everything from clearance and enforcement, to the management of foreign counsel and co-existence agreements”. Foley & Lardner’s Craig Fochler knows what makes brand owners tick. One satisfied client enthuses: “He is the best I have ever worked with. He is the rare type of lawyer who performs spectacularly in clearance, prosecution, transactional issues, and bet-the-company litigation. He is also able to think like in-house counsel and to take both business and legal interests into account.” Also at Foley & Lardner is the versatile Jami Gekas, whose talents include a penchant for guiding rights holders through intricate e-commerce, technology and social media-related predicaments. Equally gifted in traditional trademark prosecution and litigation, she has recently taken charge of the global trademark portfolio of Darden Restaurants, the owner of a multitude of famous US brands, such as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse and Yard House. Freeborn & Peters is home to Andrew Goldstein, who exploits a wealth of knowledge on matters at the intersection between IP and IT law. He is also renowned for his polished customer service and business-conscious approach. K&L Gates plays host to Sana Hakim, whose esteemed practice covers the whole nine yards, from sharp counselling to deft enforcement. “She is just superb all-around and everybody who knows her loves her – she is really well respected.” Of Perkins Coie, the industrious Thomas Holt is “a really solid practitioner. He is pragmatic, trustworthy and does a brilliant job for clients. He has a pleasant demeanour and sees things from a business owner’s point of view.” Formerly at Marshall Gerstein, Marsha Hoover recently made the move to Goldberg Kohn; her varied expertise bridges the contentious/non-contentious divide. “There is a tendency for many lawyers to rush through issues but she really takes the time to discuss through the problems with you if needed.” Based at Advitam IP, Michele Katz deploys her in-depth understanding of Spanish language and culture to cultivate rock-solid relationships with Hispanic businesses. With her keen insight, she knows what it takes to eradicate copycat goods from the market. Paula Jill Krasny is “an incredibly meticulous lawyer. She is responsive and has a great eye for detail, so in highly complicated matters she is able to make the situation clear and simple to manage”. She operates out of Culhane Meadows. Kevin McDevitt is one of the founders of boutique Neal & McDevitt, from where he dispenses invaluable advice across the IP board. He possesses a 360-degree understanding of brands, from advertising and marketing law to protecting trademarks and domain names. William McGrath of Davis McGrath is an expert on soft IP issues. The bright and commercially aware attorney leverages over 40 years of know-how to spectacular effect. The “exceedingly smart” Mark VB Partridge resides at his firm Partridge Partners. A fierce litigator armed with an all-encompassing understanding of trademark law, he is also “one of the top names in the country for domain name disputes”. “James Saul is extremely efficient: cases are capably handled and communications with him are fast. Eschewing legalese, he keeps it simple and takes action, which gives you control over both your trademark problems and costs.” He plies his trade at Faegre Baker Daniels. Catherine Simmons-Gill boasts myriad achievements in the trademark field: over her dazzling career, she has served as the president of INTA, an adjunct professor and in-house counsel at several companies. Today, she provides these refined services from her eponymous office. Quartered at Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg is the highly regarded Scott Slavick. “He has a complete understanding of trademark prosecution issues, especially ones involving multiple jurisdictions. If you have a question about registering a mark in Europe, for example, chances are he’ll know the answer immediately.” The “extremely competent” Brett Tolpin–co-founder of Tolpin & Partners – knows how to get a mark through the USPTO. “He has years of experience as a former examiner and it’s rare to find somebody with his level of knowledge.” Latham & Watkin’s Matthew Walch is a firm favourite with top global brands. He has a particular aptitude for sophisticated prosecution mandates, but he sharpens his teeth on mission-critical deals. The main thrust of Thomas Williams’s practice lies in the canny enforcement of IP rights. “He is an especially excellent resource for TTAB matters and is an accomplished trademark litigator. However, he is reasonable in his approach and understands when a case should be settled. He provides timely updates on events and is easy to work with, which altogether makes him a great partner for in-house counsel.” Williams flies the flag for Ulmer & Berne. Amy Ziegler’s litigation prowess in the branding sphere makes her a perfect fit for rights holders, including Fortune 500 companies, in need of bulletproof strategies. Her capacity for high-stake battles is immensely useful when stamping out counterfeiters. She can be found at Greer, Burns & Crain.